NBA age rule complicates Blazers trade when Tanguy Ngombo found to be 26

A rule stipulation has complicated a draft-night trade of a late second-round pick between Portland and Minnesota, leaving the status of Tanguy Ngombo in limbo.

In a common practice in NBA trades on draft night, Portland selected Ngombo at the request of the Timberwolves as part of a trade. However, the 6-foot-6 forward from Qatar was not 21 as he listed on his passport, but rather 26. NBA rules state that once a player reaches 22 he may not be drafted, but rather has to be signed as a free agent.